Vultures Announce Strong Leadership Group

UHS-VU Football Club has announced an expanded leadership group, headed by senior captain Nick Devereux, in anticipation of a strong 2017 season.

The group, which was announced during the Vultures’ annual pre-season training camp in Lorne over the weekend, is headed by tall defender Devereux, who will be joined by 24 year-old vice-captains Charlie Jackson and Joey Turner.

The experienced Ant Milicevic and Shaun Collins have been appointed the co-captains of the reserves, and the leadership group was rounded out with the additions of utility Sam McSweeney, experienced midfielder Ryan Smith, young star Esubalew Ramsay, key forward Mitchell Sweeney and defender Ethan Kusch.

Devereux, 23, was pleased with both the relative youth and extensive experience of the leadership group, and expressed hopes of a strong 2017 season.

“This is a really strong group of leaders on and off the field and one that we think reflects the club as a whole. We’re quite bullish about the success the whole club can have in the immediate future and we can’t wait to get started.”

Second-year Coach Brendan Payne expressed hope that the leadership group would provide the platform for all the UHSVU sides to push on from their finishes in 2016.

“Our selection process was thorough and I have great confidence and faith in the ability of this group to provide insight and knowledge to the team, as well as guidance both on and off the field. Our leadership structure has never looked stronger.”

With the senior side kicking off the season against Point Cook on April 8, this next month shapes as crucial in the Vultures’ push for the Division 3 flag.